Buttiero began his career in the Italian Formula 3 in which he of 1988 - 1990 was driving. In 1991 he switched to the Italian touring car championship, in which he was sixth overall. From 1992 to 1994 he drove in the Italian Super Touring Car Championship , which he finished in 21st place in 1992, 20th in 1993 and 15th in 1994. In 1994 he also drove for the Alfa Romeo factory team Alfa Corse in the DTM and finished the season in 17th place overall. In 1996 he drove in the Global GT Championship and finished 90th overall. In 1997 he drove in the successor series FIA GT Championship in the GT1 class. In 1998 he started in the International Sports Car Series. From 1999 to 2002 he competed in the American Le Mans Series in the GTS and GT classes. In 2001 he also started in the Grand-Am Series and was 17th overall. in the GT class. In 2003 he made a guest appearance in the Porsche Supercup .